EP1751759A1 - Package for multiple media discs - Google Patents

Abstract

A media disc package includes a plurality of disc holding trays arranged in a stack, each tray in the stack having at least one hinging edge, each hinging edge having at least one docking appendage extending therefrom. A binding clip includes a plurality of segments that are connected to each other by flexible links, each segment including at least one dock therein for receiving a docking appendage. Adjacent trays in the stack are hinged together by seating one or more respective docking appendages of each adjacent tray into a correspondingly positioned dock in the binding clip.

Description

PACKAGE FOR MULTIPLE MEDIA DISCS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/566,221, filed on April 28, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in the field of packaging goods for retail sale, and more specifically to an improved package for multiple media discs.

Description of Prior Art With the proliferation of CDs, DVDs, and other types of media discs, there is an ongoing need for disc holders that allow a plurality of discs to be packaged and stored in sets. Ideally, a disc holder should combine esthetical appeal and resistance to damage, while providing a user with easy access to individual discs in the set. In addition, from a manufacturer's point of view, it is desirable for a disc holder to be relatively inexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other issues are addressed by aspects of the present invention. A media disc package according to a first aspect of the invention includes a plurality of disc holding trays arranged in a stack, each tray in the stack having at least one hinging edge, each hinging edge having at least one docking appendage extending therefrom. A binding clip includes a plurality of segments that are connected to each other by flexible links, each segment including at least one dock therein for receiving a docking appendage. Adjacent trays in the stack are hinged together by seating one or more respective docking appendages of each adjacent tray into a correspondingly positioned dock in the binding clip. A further aspect of the invention provides an improved cover for use with a stack of media disc trays. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a package according to the prior art for holding multiple media discs. Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of a package according to a first aspect of the present invention for holding multiple media discs. Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of the package shown in Fig. 2, in which individual trays in the package have been fanned into an open configuration. Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a portion of the package shown in Figs. 3 and 4, illustrating an improved hinge-binding system, including a binding clip and docking appendages, according to a further aspect of the invention. Fig. 5 shows an elevation view of the binding clip shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows an elevation view of a portion of the package shown in Fig. 2 in an open configuration, illustrating a nesting feature according to a further aspect of the invention. Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of a package according to a further aspect of the invention, in which a plurality of binding clips is used to hinge a stack of media disc trays at a plurality of sides. Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of a package according to a further aspect of the invention, in which the package includes double-sided media disc trays. Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of a portion of a package according to a further aspect of the invention, in which a hinged stack of media disc trays is mounted into an improved cover. Figs. 10A and 10B show respective side views of the package shown in Fig. 9 in closed and open configurations. Figs. 11 A and 1 IB show respective side views of a media disc package, according to a further aspect of the invention, in closed and open configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As used herein, the terms "media disc" and "disc" refer generally to compact discs

(CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and the like. The terms "media disc tray," "disc tray," and "tray" refer generally to trays for holding media discs, such trays typically being rigid and including at least one cavity therein for receiving at least one media disc, the cavity including a central hub or rosette for engaging a central spindle hole in a media disc. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to a particular type or shape of media disc or media disc tray. Also, as discussed below, the term "stack" of media disc trays may refer, where applicable, to a single media disc tray. Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a prior art media disc tray holding device 10, in a fanned-open position. The holding device 10 includes a stack of media disc trays 12, which have been hinged together and bound within a cover 14. The cover 14 includes a spine 16 which is the width of the stack of trays 12. The bottom tray in the stack of trays is attached to the inside of the cover 14. The trays in the stack are hinged to each other by a thin, flexible hinging member that is attached to one side of the stack. Each tray 12 in the stack includes a media disc cavity 20 for receiving and storing a media disc in cooperation with a securing hub 22. Indentations 24 are provided to assist a user in unseating a media disc from a tray. A display space 26 proximate to a stored media disc provides a means for presenting information regarding the media disc. Typically, the underside of the cavity 20 forms a pan 28 that faces an adjacent media disc when the trays are stacked, thereby providing an additional restraint for the adjacent media disc. Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate an improved Content Collection, Storage, and Presentation Apparatus (CCSPA) 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The CCSPA 100 includes, but is not limited to, an improved media disc tray 102 and improved hinge-binding system 104. Fig. 2 shows the CCSPA 100 in a closed configuration, wherein each tray 102 is in contact with an adjacent tray or trays, h this embodiment and configuration, the four sides of the trays 102 form four substantially planar side surfaces, and the respective corners of the trays 102 are aligned. Fig. 3 shows the CCSPA 100 in an open configuration, wherein each tray 102 is fanned apart from the adjacent tray(s). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the closed and open configurations illustrated herein are merely two in a spectrum of configurations; accordingly, the configurations shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Likewise, the perimeter shape of the trays 102 illustrated herein is merely one in a spectrum of design choices, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to a particular perimeter shape. Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of an improved hinge-binding system 104 according to a further aspect of the present invention. The hinge-binding system 104 includes a plurality of docking appendages 110 extending outwardly from the trays 102 in the stack, and a binding clip 112. Generally speaking, at least one docking appendage 110 extends outwardly from each tray 102 and is seated in a correspondingly positioned receiving dock in the binding clip 112. More specifically, and with reference now to Figs. 4 and 5, each docking appendage 110 is attached to or integrally formed with a tray 102, and extends outwardly from a hinging edge of the tray 102. A tray 102 may have more than one hinge edge, each hinge edge having respective docking appendages extending therefrom. The binding clip 112 comprises a plurality of segments 114 connected by flexible links 116. Each segment 114 further comprises an appendage receiving dock 118. In operation, a docking appendage 110 is mounted to the binding clip 112 by being seated in a correspondingly positioned receiving dock 118 in the binding clip 112. It is contemplated that the hinge-binding system 104 may provide for permanent or temporary connections between a docking appendage 110 and a corresponding receiving dock 118, and that the binding clip 112 may provide a range of flexibility. Thus the docking appendage 110 and binding clip 112 may be configured or manufactured according to a range of optional design requirements without departing from the spirit of the invention. By way of example and not limitation, flexibility or rigidity of the hinge-binding system 104, that is, the range of positions available between a fully open and fully closed plurality of trays, may be achieved through any combination of rigid or flexible components. Accordingly, a docking appendage 110 may be fabricated from a rigid or flexible material, or be hinged to a tray 102. Similarly, the binding clip 112 may be fabricated from a rigid or flexible material, or a combination thereof, including for example a flexible link 116 and rigid receiving dock 118. Further the connection between an appendage 110 and a corresponding receiving dock 118 may be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary, as provided by any number of connections including: monolithic construction, mechanical or chemical bonding, detachable or retractable means for interlocking, and interfacing materials of compatible coefficients of friction. It will be seen in Fig. 4 that each docking appendage 110 includes a long, thin, substantially rectangular cavity 111. The cavity 111 may be an indentation on one or both sides of the docking appendage 110, or may be a slot that extends all the way through the docking appendage 110. The cavity 111 engages with a correspondingly positioned ridge or ridges or like structures (not shown) within a receiving dock 118 to lock the docking appendage 110 in a seated position in the receiving dock 118. By adjusting the shape, dimensions, and other properties of the cavity 111 and correspondingly positioned ridge element(s), it is possible to adjust how firmly a docking appendage is locked into a receiving dock 118. Further, a suitable adhesive may be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the cavity 111 and corresponding ridge element(s) to achieve a connection of a desired strength between a docking appendage 110 and its corresponding receiving dock 118. Fig. 5 illustrates the binding clip 112 in a substantially planar configuration, corresponding to the closed configuration shown in Fig. 2, while Fig. 6 illustrates the binding clip 112 in a substantially arched configuration, corresponding to the open configuration shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 illustrates the hinge-binding system 104 in operation. A plurality of trays

102 has been attached to a binding clip 112 through a respective plurality of correspondingly positioned docking appendages 110. In addition, Fig. 6 illustrates a nesting feature according to a further aspect of the invention. Before describing this nesting feature, it will be understood that the nesting feature illustrated in Fig. 6 may be applied to other types of media disc packages including, for example: packages without appendages 110 or docks 118; packages including a monolithic embodiment of the CCSPA 100 formed of one piece and of substantially flexible material; and packages including a monolithic members combining a tray 102 and segment 114, formed of substantially rigid material, and connected to adjacent tray/segment members with at least one hinged link. All such variations are address by this aspect of the invention. The nesting feature shown in the embodiment in Fig. 6 includes a set back 120 located on or as a part of the top surface of a tray 102, and a set back receiving edge 122 located on or as a part of the bottom surface of a tray 102. Alternatively, either or both the set back 120 or receiving edge 122 may be integral with a tray side wall 124. Structurally the set back 120 is a recessed portion of the upper surface of a tray 102. A set back 120 may also be formed by an upwardly extending lip, positioned within the upper perimeter of the tray 102. The set back 120 forms an offset 126 around the upper perimeter of a tray 102. A receiving edge 122 is formed on the bottom surface of each tray 102, corresponding in position to the offset 126 of an adjacent tray in the stack. The receiving edge 122 is configured to form an inset 128. In practice, the set back 120 with the receiving edge 122 when the trays 120 are stacked or arranged in the closed configuration shown in Fig. 2. The nesting feature provides a number of advantages over those devices that do not include such a feature. For example, nesting provides alignment of adjacent trays both during assembly and in use. This alignment of the trays creates an interlocking block when the CCSPA is in the closed position, which better absorbs external forces to the CCSPA during shipping and handling. This ability to absorb external forces better protects the discs from blunt trauma, and relieves the binding system of both short-term and prolonged stresses. In addition, in a partially open CCSPA, the nesting feature keeps stacked trays that are not in a fully accessible or open position, from dropping or twisting away from adjacent trays, thereby straining the binding system. Further, the nesting feature engages and disengages adjacent trays as the trays are fanned to open or closed positions. Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of a media disc package incorporating further aspects of a hinge-binding system 104 according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of binding clips of various segment lengths 150, 152 maybe configured to provide a CCSPA 100 which opens or closes in adjacent or opposite directions. By way of example and not limitation, the binding clips 150 provide for access to some of the media discs contained within the CCSPA 100 by permitting opening in the direction represented by arrow A, while the binding clip 152 provides for access to other media discs by permitting opening in the direction represented by arrow B. Likewise, binding clip 152 could be located at the side opposite the binding clips 150. (This side of the tray stack is not visible in this view.) This arrangement provides a CCSPA that is configured to open in the right-to-left direction for some pairs of adjacent trays and in the left-to-right direction for other pairs of adjacent trays. Other hinge configurations are contemplated and taught herein. Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of a package according to a further aspect of the invention, incorporating an improved media disc tray 210 that is configured to hold two media discs, one of each of the upper and lower surfaces of the tray. In one embodiment of the improved tray 210, the depth of the tray is increased by increasing the height of the side walls to accommodate receiving cavity 212 and its associated securing hub 214 on a first side of the tray 210, together with a receiving cavity 216 and its associated securing hub 218 on an opposite side of the tray 210. While one embodiment may have recessed receiving cavities that exactly back each other with securing hubs 214 and 218 aligned along a common axis, another embodiment is contemplated wherein the securing hubs 214 and 218 are offset from each other, but share a common platform similar to the pan 28 of Fig. 1. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention extends to other combinations of these features. A thick or heavy collection of media discs or other content may present undesirable stresses on a CCSPA configured like a traditional book. Specifically, opening or closing such a CCSPA may generate stresses along the spine or along one or more score lines between elements of the CCSPA that act to pull these elements apart. For example, it is possible that as trays 102 are fanned out into an open position, such as illustrated in Fig. 1, the trays attached directly to the inside of the cover 14 may pull or tear away from their respective mounting, or cause the spine 16 to stretch and pull away from the back panel. Figs. 9 and 10A-B show, respectively, perspective and side views of a media disc package incorporating an improved cover 300 according to a further aspect of the invention. The cover 300 comprises an upper panel 310, a spine panel 314 positioned between upper and lower spine score lines 316, and upper and lower spine extension panels 318 positioned between upper and lower spine score lines 316 and spine extension score line 320. It will be understood that although the improved cover 300 is described in terms of positions and parts, the cover 300 may be formed monolithically or constructed from a combination of parts and all such embodiments are contemplated herein. It is noted that the cover 300, and variations thereof, may be used to package a single media disc tray. Thus, as used with respect to describing a package incorporating the described cover 300, the term "stack" includes a stack comprising a single media disc tray. When the cover 300 is in its closed configuration, the upper panel 310 and the upper spine extension panel 318 are positioned on top of the stack of trays 102, the spine panel 314 is positioned on one side of the stack of trays 102, and the bottom spine extension panel 318 and the bottom cover panel 320 are positioned on the bottom of the stack of trays 102. It should be noted that the spine panel 314 does not necessarily correspond in position to a hinged side of the stack of trays. The spine panel 314 may be located at any side of the stack of trays 102, as desired. Because only the bottom cover panel 320 is attached to the stack of trays, when the upper cover panel 310 is opened, or when the stack of trays 102 is fanned into an open configuration, the upper spine extension panel 318, the spine panel 314 and the lower spine extension panel 318 tend to pull away from the stack of trays 102. The score lines 316 and 320 function as hinges. Thus, it will be seen that when the cover panel 310 is opened, the remaining panels will assume respective positions tending to diffuse mechanical stresses at the score lines 316 and 320, thereby tending to prevent tearing or separation of the package components. As further shown in Figs. 9 and 10A-B, according to a further aspect of the invention, an inner panel 322 is attached to the upper panel 310 and configured to extend under the upper spine extension panel 318. Because the inner panel 322 is not connected to the spine 314 or spine extension panel 318, but cantilevers over these panels, any graphic display or printed material presented to the user on the outwardly facing side of the inner panel 322 remains readily visible. When the package is opened, the upper spine extension panel 318 pulls away from the inner panel 322. Thus, although the spine extension panel 318 is flexible and configured to arch independently of the inner panel 322, the inner panel 322 remains in the same plane whether the CCSPA is opened or closed. Figs. 11A and 1 IB show side views of an alternative version of the media package shown in Figs. 9 and 10A-B. In this alternative version, the media package has a cover 400 with a single spine extension panel 418 underneath the stack of trays 102, and does not have an inner panel. Again, the stack of trays 102 may comprise a single tray. According to this aspect of the invention, the cover is formed form a single sheet of cardboard, paperboard, or other suitable material. The cover's spine panel 414 is defined by an upper and lower spine scores 416 and 417. The single spine extension panel 418 is defined by lower spine score 417 and spine extension score 419. It will be appreciated that the elements of the alternative versions of the media package shown in Figs. 9, 10A-B, and 11 A-B, may be combined with each other and with further elements without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it would be possible to incorporate these elements into a package including one or more cover panels that wrap around one or more sides of the tray stack 102, or that wrap around a side of the tray stack 102 not corresponding to the hinged side of the tray stack. Although the Content Collection, Storage and Presentation Apparatus (CCSPA) taught herein has been described with reference to a media disc holding tray 102 and 210, the present invention is not limited to that specific content. In fact, the above-described features, including the hinge-binding system, nesting, and external spine cover, may be used in conjunction with a variety of content storage devices including printed pages, audio and/or visual tapes, digital information storage devices, and similar vehicles for content storage. For example, a plurality of trays each configured to secure and hold a different type of content, such as a book, a CD, a DND, a NCR cassette, machine readable memory storage, and a portable electronic device capable of storing and/or playing content, may be bound together in a CCSPA comprising some or all of the features presented herein. While the foregoing description includes details which will enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be recognized that the description is illustrative in nature and that many modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of these teachings. It is accordingly intended that the invention herein be defined solely by the claims appended hereto and that the claims be interpreted as broadly as permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A package for holding a plurality of media discs, comprising: a plurality of disc holding trays arranged in a stack, each tray in the stack having at least one hinging edge, each hinging edge having at least one docking appendage extending therefrom; and a binding clip including a plurality of segments that are connected to each other by flexible links, each segment including at least one dock therein for receiving a docking appendage, adjacent trays in the stack being hinged together by seating one or more respective docking appendages of each adjacent tray into a correspondingly positioned dock in the binding clip. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein each tray in the stack includes an upper surface having a set back and a lower surface having a receiving edge, such that each tray in the stack nests into an adjacent tray. 3. The package of claim 1 , wherein at least one pair of adj acent trays in the stack is hinged at a first side of the stack of trays, and another pair of adjacent trays in the stack is hinged at a second side of the stack of trays. 4. The package of claim 1 , wherein each docking appendage includes a central cavity, and wherein each corresponding dock includes a ridge therein that seats in the central cavity, thereby locking the docking appendage in the dock. 5. A method for packaging a plurality of media discs, comprising: providing a plurality of disc holding trays, each tray in the stack having at least one hinging edge, each hinging edge having at least one docking appendage extending therefrom; arranging the plurality of trays into a stack; providing at least one binding clip including a plurality of segments, each segment including at least one dock therein for receiving a docking appendage, hinging adjacent trays in the stack to each other by seating one or more respective docking appendages of each adjacent tray into a correspondingly positioned dock in a binding clip. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing a plurality of disc holding trays includes providing a plurality of rigid disc holding trays, each tray including an upper surface having a set back and a lower surface having a receiving edge, such that each tray in the stack nests into an adjacent tray. 7. The method of claim 5, further including: hinging together a first adjacent pair of trays at a first side of the stack, and hinging together a second adjacent pair of trays at a second side of the stack. 8. The method of claim 5, further including: providing each docking appendage includes a cavity therein; providing each corresponding dock with a corresponding ridge; locking a docking appendage into a corresponding dock by causing the ridge at the dock to seat into the cavity in the docking appendage. 9. A media disc tray package, comprising: a stack of media disc trays; an upper panel; a spine panel hinged to the top panel by a first spine score; a bottom spine extension panel, hinged to the spine panel by a second spine score; a bottom panel, hinged to the bottom spine extension portion by a spine extension score, the bottom panel being attached to a bottom surface of the stack of media trays, the panels wrapping around the stack of trays when the stack of trays is in a closed position, with the upper panel positioned on an upper surface of the stack of trays, the spine panel positioned on a side of the stack of trays, and the bottom spine extension panel and bottom panel being positioned on a bottom surface of the stack of trays, whereby when the package is opened, the bottom spine extension panel and spine panel pull away from the stack of trays. 10. The package of claim 9, further including: an upper spine extension panel between the upper panel and the spine panel, the upper spine extension panel being hinged to the upper panel and spine panel by respective score lines, the upper panel and upper spine extension panel being positioned on an upper surface of the stack of trays when the stack of trays is in a closed position, the upper spine extension panel pulling away from the stack of trays when the package is opened. 11. The package of claim 10, further including: an inner panel attached to an inner surface of the upper panel, the inner panel extending under the upper spine extension panel, whereby when the package is opened, the upper spine extension panel pulls away from the inner panel.